On Feb 20, 1:18 am, "RedPenguin" wrote:
On Feb 19, 10:40 pm, I.P. Yurin
wrote:

Now my last question is, what is the trick to shortwave, to figure out
what station you got? I hear that stations can change all the time and
some stations seem to have the same frequency depending on what area
they are in. Also, I kinda understand, but why is it that shortwave
can actually go so far yet AM and FM barely go anywhere? I guess
shortwave stations just have more power right?

Dear Sir,

There is no "trick" to identifying a shortwave station in the sense
you mean. There is ONLY experience, a few good references, and careful
listening. I haven't stated it yet on this thread (but those who know
me well from my other postings know what's coming next!) - if you want
to get the most from the shortwave hobby, while internet sites are
invaluable, the two books PASSPORT TO WORLD BAND RADIO and WORLD RADIO
TV HANDBOOK are essential. Both are available inexpensively from
Amazon, as well as local bookstores. Many of the better mail-order
radio dealers also sell them. These books are published yearly. I buy
each new edition as it is published. These books, which do not really
overlap but rather complement each other, make the hobby far more
enjoyable. Trying to listen to shortwave without these books is, in my
opinion, just like a lawyer trying to get by without the Law Review, a
doctor trying to get by without the PDR, or an engineer trying to get
by without the CRC Handbook.

These books will explain to you just how shortwave signals travel
around the world. In addition, they will give you an excellent
overview of the hobby and will answer the great majority of your
questions..

I hope you don't think I'm being supercilious or condescending to you.
That is certainly not my intention. I sincerely want to encourage you
(and anyone else interested) in the shortwave hobby. Like any other
worthwhile hobby, there are things that must be learned. One cannot
actually learn until one has the proper tools, in this case a
shortwave receiver of good quality. Once you actually get the radio,
carefully study the instruction manual, and, I hope, buy and study the
references I mention as well as studying some online informational
sites (especially RadioIntel.com and PrimeTimeShortwave.com), then
you'll be well on your way to becoming a DXer. Plus you'll be able to
avail yourself of a great deal of news and commentary from very
different perspectives than is available on our local "mass media," as
well as some great and exotic entertainment.

I'll say it once mo there's no substitute for experience and
there's no way to get that experience except by putting in the time
and effort necessary. That is the "trick" to identifying stations and
for shortwave listening in general.

But first you need to buy the radio. All else will follow.

Best,

Joe